BJP Boycott Kamal Haasan Movies – ‘Sanatana Dharma’ Remarks
Kamal Haasan Links Education to Breaking ‘Dictatorship, Sanatan’ - Sparks Debate
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Kamal Haasan, the veteran Tamil actor and newly appointed Rajya Sabha member, ignited a political firestorm after stating that “only education” can dismantle the “chains of dictatorship and Sanatan.” His remarks, made at an event hosted by fellow actor Suriya’s Agaram Foundation on Sunday, have drawn both praise from DMK allies and sharp criticism from the BJP.
Haasan’s Core Argument: Education as Emancipation
Haasan’s speech centered on the power of education as a transformative force for societal change. He argued that education is the sole weapon capable of overcoming oppressive systems,explicitly linking it to dismantling both dictatorship and the concept of Sanatan Dharma.
“Only education has the power to change the nation.It is the only weapon that can break the shackles of dictatorship and Sanatana,” Haasan stated. He further emphasized the importance of knowledge, warning against relying on other means of resistance. “Do not take any other weapon in your hand. It isn’t possible to win with any other weapon because ignorant majoritarianism will defeat you,” he added.
The actor’s comments were made in the context of the ongoing debate surrounding the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), a central exam for medical admissions that the ruling DMK seeks to abolish, arguing it creates barriers for marginalized students.Haasan echoed this sentiment, highlighting how NEET disadvantages students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Controversy Echoes Past Statements & Draws BJP Criticism
Haasan’s remarks promptly drew parallels to a previous controversy involving Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. in 2023, Stalin called for the “eradication” of Sanatan Dharma, comparing it to diseases like dengue and malaria.This statement sparked widespread outrage from right-wing groups.
The DMK has historically positioned Sanatan Dharma as a source of caste and gender-based discrimination, a view supported by the writings of BR Ambedkar. Haasan’s comments appear to align with this long-held position.
Khushboo Sundar, a former co-actor of Haasan and recently appointed vice president of the state BJP, swiftly condemned his statement as “uncalled for” and “unwanted.” She argued that linking education with Sanatan Dharma was unnecessary, stating, “You could have just stressed on the importance of education… Speaking ther about Sanatana was absolutely wrong as nobody is including education with Sanatana.” sundar emphasized that education’s importance is universally acknowledged and didn’t require the inclusion of Sanatan Dharma in the discussion.
As of the time of publication, Haasan has not directly responded to the BJP’s criticism.
DMK Defends Haasan,Accuses Right Wing of Overreaction
DMK spokesperson A Saravanan defended Haasan,asserting that the right wing was “enraged” by his speech and unable to formulate a coherent response. “Kamal Haasan has hit the bull’s eye. They (the right wing) don’t know how to react. they are not able to attack him and know his powers of amplification,” Saravanan stated.This incident underscores the increasingly polarized political landscape in Tamil Nadu, where debates surrounding social justice, equality, and religious ideologies frequently take center stage. Haasan’s entry into the Rajya sabha, facilitated by the DMK alliance with his Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) party, further positions him as a key player in the state’s political discourse. The debate sparked by his comments is highly likely to continue, fueling further discussion about the role of education, social justice, and the interpretation of Sanatan Dharma in contemporary India.